The challenges of exploring the deep ocean are similar to those of space exploration in some ways, but they are also different in some key ways.

Similarities

• Extreme environments: Both the deep ocean and space are extreme environments, with high pressure, low temperatures, and harsh conditions. This makes it difficult to design and operate equipment that can withstand these conditions.
• Distance: Both the deep ocean and space are vast and remote, making it difficult to reach and explore them.
• Unpredictability: Both the deep ocean and space are unpredictable environments, with hazards such as storms, currents, and radiation. This makes it difficult to plan and execute missions safely.

Differences

• Visibility: The deep ocean is dark and murky, making it difficult to see and navigate. Space, on the other hand, is relatively well-lit, making it easier to see and navigate.
• Technology: We have more mature technology for exploring space than the deep ocean. For example, we have telescopes and satellites that can provide us with detailed information about celestial bodies without having to send a spacecraft there.
• Funding: Space exploration receives more funding than deep ocean exploration. This is due in part to the public's fascination with space and the potential for economic benefits from space exploration.

Overall, the challenges of exploring the deep ocean are just as significant as the challenges of space exploration. However, we have more mature technology and more funding for space exploration.

Here is a table that summarizes the key similarities and differences between the challenges of exploring the deep ocean and space:

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Exploring the deep ocean and space both present unique and significant challenges, but they differ in several key ways:

1. Environmental Conditions:

   • Deep Ocean: The deep ocean presents challenges related to extreme pressure, frigid temperatures, and complete darkness. At extreme depths, the water pressure can be crushing, exceeding 1,000 times atmospheric pressure. These conditions require specialized equipment to withstand pressure, maintain temperature, and provide artificial lighting.

   • Space: Space is characterized by a vacuum with no atmosphere, extreme temperatures ranging from scorching hot to freezing cold, and high levels of radiation. The lack of atmospheric pressure in space can have serious consequences on human health, while astronauts must rely on life support systems to provide air, water, and temperature control.

2. Access and Mobility:

   • Deep Ocean: Accessing the deep ocean involves sending submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to explore its depths. These vehicles face challenges in communication, as radio waves do not penetrate water effectively, and they rely on cables or acoustic signals for communication.

   • Space: Space exploration typically requires the use of spacecraft, which need to achieve escape velocity to leave Earth's gravity well. Once in space, these spacecraft are subject to long periods of travel, and mobility is limited by the availability of fuel and the laws of celestial mechanics.

3. Communication:

   • Deep Ocean: Communication underwater is challenging due to the limited range of radio signals in water. Acoustic signals, like sonar, are commonly used for communication between submerged vehicles and surface stations.

   • Space: Space missions require complex communication systems that often rely on powerful antennas and satellites to transmit data across vast distances. Signals can take minutes to hours to travel between Earth and spacecraft in deep space.

4. Life Support:

   • Deep Ocean: Submersibles require life support systems for human occupants. These systems must maintain air quality, temperature, and pressure while underwater.

   • Space: Spacecraft must provide life support systems to ensure astronauts have breathable air, potable water, and temperature control. These systems must be highly reliable, as failure can be life-threatening.

5. Energy Sources:

   • Deep Ocean: Submersibles and AUVs typically use rechargeable batteries or power tethers connected to the surface for their energy needs. Harvesting energy from the deep ocean, such as from hydrothermal vents, is a challenging and specialized endeavor.

   • Space: Spacecraft rely on solar panels, nuclear power, or, in some cases, radioisotope thermoelectric generators for energy. The choice of power source depends on the mission's location and duration.

6. Biological and Geological Hazards:

   • Deep Ocean: Deep-sea organisms and geological features can pose hazards to underwater vehicles. High-pressure environments and extreme temperatures limit the types of life forms that can survive in the deep ocean.

   • Space: Space missions must contend with microgravity, cosmic radiation, and the potential for contamination of celestial bodies with Earth microorganisms. These factors can impact both human health and scientific experiments.

In summary, while both deep ocean and space exploration come with their own sets of challenges, they differ primarily due to the environmental conditions, access methods, communication, and life support requirements. Both realms offer exciting opportunities for scientific discovery and the advancement of technology, but the strategies and technologies needed for each environment are distinct.

When the skies open up and rain pours down, an umbrella becomes more than just a functional accessory – it's a shield against the elements, a refuge in the storm. But not all umbrellas are created equal. In a market saturated with options, finding the best umbrella brand requires more than just luck. Let's explore the top contenders that have earned their reputation through durability, design, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

1. GustBuster: Where Innovation Meets Durability

GustBuster has etched its name in the umbrella industry with a remarkable blend of innovation and durability. Known for its patented wind-resistant technology, this brand's umbrellas are engineered to withstand powerful gusts that can turn other umbrellas inside out. With a combination of sturdy construction, quality materials, and smart design, GustBuster ensures that you'll stay dry even in the fiercest storms. Their commitment to reliability has made them a favorite among both urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Blunt Umbrellas: Sculpting Elegance and Strength

Blunt Umbrellas has redefined the traditional umbrella silhouette with its distinctive and patented radial tensioning system. This innovative mechanism distributes tension along the umbrella's canopy, reinforcing it against winds and preventing awkward collapses. Beyond its robust engineering, Blunt also places a strong emphasis on design. Their umbrellas are sleek, modern, and available in a range of colors and patterns. Blunt Umbrellas seamlessly marries elegance with strength, making them a top choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality.

3. Totes: Tradition, Quality, and Versatility

Totes is a brand that has stood the test of time, delivering quality umbrellas for generations. With a wide array of styles, from compact folding umbrellas to golf-sized canopies, Totes understands the diverse needs of umbrella users. Their commitment to providing affordable yet durable options has garnered a loyal following. Totes' umbrellas combine practicality with a touch of nostalgia, offering a reliable solution for everyday rain protection.

4. Davek New York: Luxury Redefined

For those who seek the epitome of luxury in an umbrella, Davek New York presents a compelling option. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Davek umbrellas exude elegance and sophistication. The brand is known for its unconditional lifetime guarantee, a testament to their confidence in the durability of their products. From the quality of materials to the precision of craftsmanship, Davek New York delivers an umbrella experience that's as opulent as it is reliable.

5. ShedRain: Innovative Designs for Every Occasion

ShedRain has carved its niche by continuously pushing the boundaries of umbrella design. From umbrellas with built-in LED lights to models equipped with Bluetooth speakers, ShedRain embraces innovation while maintaining their focus on quality. This brand understands that umbrellas are not just rain shields – they're accessories that can complement one's lifestyle. Whether you're navigating a crowded city street or enjoying an outdoor event, ShedRain offers an umbrella tailored to your needs.

6. Senz°: Revolutionizing Rain Protection

Senz° has revolutionized the umbrella market with its asymmetrical designs. These umbrellas are uniquely shaped to withstand strong winds by positioning the broader side of the canopy against the wind's force. This intuitive design has garnered attention and accolades, making Senz° a go-to choice for those who prioritize function without sacrificing style. Senz°'s commitment to innovation has reshaped the way we think about umbrellas, proving that protection can come in unconventional forms.

7. Fulton: Classic Elegance and British Heritage

Fulton embraces its British heritage and classic elegance, offering a range of umbrellas that exude timeless charm. From compact foldable designs to more traditional walking umbrellas, Fulton pays homage to its legacy while embracing modern sensibilities. The brand's attention to detail, use of high-quality materials, and refined aesthetics make it a favorite among those who appreciate sophistication and craftsmanship.

8. Repel Umbrella: Simplicity and Effectiveness

Repel Umbrella finds strength in simplicity. This brand focuses on creating umbrellas that excel at their core purpose – keeping you dry. With a Teflon-coated canopy that repels water and dries quickly, Repel Umbrella ensures that rainy days remain hassle-free. Their straightforward yet effective designs, combined with a commitment to quality, have earned them a reputation as a reliable choice for practical rain protection.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Shelter in the Storm

Selecting the best umbrella brand is a decision that balances form and function, durability and design. Each of the brands mentioned above has carved its own niche in the market, catering to a diverse range of preferences and priorities. Whether you're drawn to innovative engineering, classic elegance, or a blend of both, the umbrella industry offers a variety of options to shield you from the rain. So, the next time the skies darken and raindrops fall, you'll be armed with the knowledge to choose an umbrella that not only keeps you dry but also reflects your style and values.

 The Artistry of Umbrella Drawing: A Creative Exploration

Raindrops pitter-patter against windows, a symphony of nature's tears. Streets glisten with a wet sheen, and the atmosphere takes on a cozy yet melancholic hue. Amidst this scene, emerges an unlikely canvas for artistic expression: the umbrella. While most people see it as a utilitarian object, umbrella drawing transforms it into a vehicle of imagination, turning rainy days into opportunities for creative exploration.

A Blank Canvas Unfurled: The Umbrella's Potential

An umbrella, commonly regarded as a tool for shielding against the rain, can be much more than that. When opened, its expanse reveals a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with colors, patterns, and designs. It's an unconventional medium that provides a unique challenge and an exciting opportunity for artists to break free from traditional constraints.

The Elemental Inspiration: Rain and Creativity

Rain has long been romanticized in literature, art, and music for its power to evoke emotions and creativity. The sound of raindrops, the smell of wet earth, and the ambiance of a drizzly day can ignite a sense of nostalgia, tranquility, and introspection. Artists harness these feelings, channeling them onto umbrella canvases. The process of umbrella drawing often becomes a personal and emotional journey, allowing artists to translate their inner experiences onto an outwardly functional object.

From Mundane to Extraordinary: Elevating Everyday Objects

Umbrella drawing is an example of how everyday objects can transcend their mundane purposes. By integrating artistic expression into objects we often overlook, we invite a new level of appreciation for the world around us. An umbrella ceases to be a mere rain shield; it transforms into a statement, a reflection of its owner's personality and creativity. This shift from functionality to artistic expression mirrors the larger movement of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Techniques and Styles: Unleashing Creativity

The techniques employed in umbrella drawing are as diverse as the artists themselves. From intricate line work reminiscent of henna patterns to bold and vibrant abstract designs, the umbrella's curvature and surface provide a distinct three-dimensional canvas. Artists must consider the mechanics of opening and closing the umbrella, ensuring that the design flows seamlessly when the canopy is unfurled.

Umbrella as Identity: Personalized and Custom Designs

In a world of mass-produced items, personalized and custom-designed objects hold a special allure. Umbrella drawing allows individuals to showcase their individuality. Whether it's a quirky pattern that reflects one's sense of humor or a serene landscape that resonates with personal memories, these umbrellas become extensions of the owner's identity, making a rainy day a little brighter and a lot more personal.

Community and Collaboration: Umbrella Art Festivals

Umbrella drawing has evolved beyond individual artistic expression. Umbrella art festivals have sprung up in various parts of the world, celebrating this unique form of creativity. These festivals not only showcase the talents of umbrella artists but also bring communities together. Collaborative umbrella murals, workshops for beginners, and art markets foster a sense of camaraderie, allowing artists and enthusiasts to connect over their shared love for creativity and rain.

Umbrella as Statement: Advocacy and Awareness

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, umbrella drawing has found a voice in advocacy and awareness campaigns. Artists have utilized this unconventional medium to convey important messages about climate change, conservation, and social issues. An umbrella, originally designed to shield us from the rain, becomes a metaphorical shield against the challenges that our planet faces. It's a potent example of how art can transcend its visual impact to communicate meaningful ideas.

Challenges and Rewards: Embracing Imperfections

Umbrella drawing, like any art form, comes with its challenges. The curvature of the umbrella and the constraints of its folding mechanism require artists to adapt their designs, sometimes leading to unexpected outcomes. However, these challenges often lead to unique solutions that wouldn't have emerged on a flat canvas. Embracing imperfections becomes part of the creative process, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

Conclusion: Opening Umbrellas, Opening Minds

In the world of art, inspiration knows no bounds. Umbrella drawing is a testament to the human capacity to find beauty and creativity in unexpected places. As raindrops continue to dance and skies remain overcast, artists and enthusiasts alike will unfurl their umbrellas, turning rainy days into opportunities for creative expression. So the next time you take shelter beneath your umbrella, take a moment to appreciate its potential as a canvas – a canvas that can transform a gloomy day into a vibrant masterpiece, one raindrop at a time.

 Decorated with the images of Lord Ramchandra Darbar and Rambhakta Hanuman, this wonderful Kalash is a treasure of Indian culture and was created in 1818. In it the needle does not go near the urn. When the nutbolt is moved closer, the nut is automatically released. The stick in the box burns.

भगवान रामचंद्र दरबार आणि रामभक्त हनुमान यांच्या प्रतिमांनी सजलेला हा अद्भुत कलश भारतीय संस्कृतीचा एक अमोल ठेवा 1818 मधे तयार केला आहे. त्यात सुई कलशाच्या जवळ जात नाही. तर नटबोल्ट जवळ नेला असता नट आपोआप फिरत सुटा होतो. काडेपेटीतील काडी पेटते.

भगवान रामचंद्र दरबार और रामभक्त हनुमान की छवियों से सजाया गया यह अद्भुत कलश भारतीय संस्कृति का खजाना है और इसे 1818 में बनाया गया था। इसमें सुई कलश के पास नहीं जाती। जब नटबोल्ट को करीब ले जाया जाता है, तो नट अपने आप निकल जाता है। डब्बे में रखी छड़ी जल जाती है।

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Synopsis

Procrastination gets in the way of achieving your professional and personal goals and traps you in a vicious cycle of failure and self-hate.

 If it weren’t for the last minute, I wouldn’t get anything done,” goes the quote. And it does not apply to you alone. All successful people have struggled with procrastination at some point. Surprisingly, procrastination is sometimes a good thing when it prevents you from expending energy on unimportant stuff. At other times, you can get a bunch of smaller jobs done while avoiding a bigger task. But more often, procrastination gets in the way of achieving your professional and personal goals and traps you in a vicious cycle of failure and self-hate. Here is how you can break through the wall and get serious stuff done instead.

SAY NO

The first step is to declutter your life by prioritising demands on your time. Have you often found yourself with an endless to-do list at work and avoiding the most important tasks on that list? Cut down your task list to a maximum of 3 items and say no to everything else. This exercise forces you to think why something matters and what has no place in your priorities. Identifying your motivations helps you increase meaning in a task and thus gets you going faster.

GIVE IT 5 MIN

Start your big project with baby steps. Give it 5 minutes right away and get going with something really small. Are you avoiding working on that marketing presentation? Make an introduction slide NOW. When you simply show up for a task and make a small input, a great portion of your resistance disappears. To keep the momentum going, invest yourself in tiny blocks of time and soon you will find the enthusiasm to continue beyond your initial commitment. Want to start running in the mornings? Put on your shoes and go outdoors for a 5-minute walk to begin with.

GAMIFY IT

Make it fun. Break it up into small parts and pick something that you like doing or club it with another pleasurable activity. Want to get started on cleaning your closet? Put on your favourite song while you tackle only the top shelf. Reward yourself with a treat when you send that proposal to your client. As you poke holes in your project while keeping your mind engaged with a fun target or activity, the task seems to be less daunting.

BURN YOUR BOATS

In 1519, Hernando Cortez, the Spanish explorer, landed in Mexico to battle the vastly superior Aztecs. Thereafter he burnt the ships that brought his men ashore leaving them no choice but to win the battle. Similarly, face your fears and figure out what’s really stopping you. If you are afraid of public speaking, get yourself nominated to lead the sales team training. Cut off your cable TV connection if that prevents you from managing your sleep and family time after work. Give yourself no choice but to complete your target.

DO THE POMODORO

“Pomodoro” is the Italian word for tomato and the Pomodoro technique is a time management tool used to maximise focus and creativity in order to complete a project in minimum time and stress. Budget your time in 25 minute slots with a 5-minute break for every large project. Every time you finish one Pomodoro, mark a tick and after every 4 Pomodoros give yourself a 15-20-minute break. Many professionals find that this technique is equally effective with a large task list as with a single project.

GET A BUDDY

Make a commitment to a friend or a colleague that you will get a task done by a deadline. Start a Whatsapp group of people who like to eat healthy and post your daily calorie intake details. Research says that people who make themselves accountable and give periodic updates to another person, are twice as likely to reach their targeted goals. Give your buddy the space to motivate you to get back on track when you are feeling low.

LOVE YOURSELF

Learn to forgive yourself and practice celebration. Don’t be harsh on yourself if at first you miss a small commitment. Everyone is prone to de-energising self-criticism which then sparks an endless cycle of loathing, increasing your tendency to procrastinate. So, you didn’t wake up early today? Let it go. Each time that you do wake up early, congratulate yourself and put a large tick on your calendar.

RECOGNISE SUNK COST

Just because you invested a lot of time and emotions into an ongoing project does not mean that it is worth completing. This is known as the sunk cost fallacy. So, you decided to learn software coding in your spare time? Months later, you don’t seem to be making headway by way of enthusiasm or time. Maybe coding is simply not meant for you and your life can progress faster if you switch pursuits to another professional goal.

ADOPT A GROWTH MINDSET

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck found that people with “fixed mindsets” believe that character, intelligence and creativity are fixed assets. On the other hand, those with “growth mindsets” love challenges and perceive failures as a stretching and growing of capabilities and thus end up more successful and happier. Be in the latter category, where you will look forward to tackling your projects without being disheartened by temporary setbacks and emotions.

GET UP EARLY

The best part of waking up early is it is quiet and you have nothing on your calendar. Use that time to get a task done that would otherwise be impossible through your packed day. Most successful people use that time for thinking and planning.

STOP BLAMING

When you blame circumstances or people for your situation, it is an excuse not to find solutions. Hold yourself responsible for whatever is happening, even if it is not true. By holding yourself accountable, you will soon come up with ideas and solutions.

STOP CONTROLLING

Too much time and mindshare is taken up influencing others or getting them to do what you want. You cannot control another person. What they choose to think is their privilege. Give up on control and find immense peace and energy to do stuff that really matters.

CHOOSE YOUR COMPANY

Stop hanging around negative people who drain your energy and who are fixated on problems instead of solutions. Choose company wisely and find yourself energised and on the path to success.

WRITE YOUR GOALS

People who write down their goals achieve more than people who don’t. Write down your current goal and list 20-25 actions that will get you moving towards it. Put up the goal sheet on your computer wallpaper. The reminder will get you moving towards your target.

Save Yourself The Guilt Trip. Laziness And Procrastination Could Make You Successful

So why does Bill Gates hire a lazy person to do a difficult job? Because a lazy person will always find an easier way to do it. That's just like the second mouse getting the cheese while the first mouse lies dead in a trap. Lesson learnt: being too eager can get you into deep shit. 

Here are some ideas that prove being too lazy can actually get your work done faster.

1. Lazy to be lazy.

Quora user, Karthick Venkatesh, suggests setting a long password, so the next time you take an unofficial Facebook or Twitter scrolling break, chances are, you won't remember your password or you'll be too lazy to type it out. The result? You're back to work, scrolling breaks are out of the question.

2. Late latifs have some hope.

Maybe keeping those assignments last minute is a good idea after all, "If I wait until the last minute to work on something, the stress of it automatically narrows my focus to what’s important, and I quickly jettison the rest. I throw no work away, I work quickly and efficiently, and I get it done," says Caroline Sin, another Quora user. Starting in advance makes you do a more work than you actually need to.

3. Be lazy and clever, not lazy and stupid. 

Kurt Gebhard Adolf Philipp Freiherr von Hammerstein-Equord was Germany’s chief of the army before the Second World War. He said that all his officers were two of the following: clever, diligent, stupid or lazy.

According to the general, the most dangerous officer was one who was stupid and diligent. He couldn't be trusted with any responsibility because he would always make mischief.

However, officers who were both clever and lazy were qualified for the highest leadership duties. They were masters at avoiding “busywork” such as pointless meetings. He claimed, they delegate to others to get things done efficiently, and they focus on the essentials rather than being distracted by unnecessary extras.

4. Vital few, trivial many.

Believe in the 80-20 rule, focus on the vital 20% to deliver 80% of the results. Of the things you do during your day, only 20% really matter - in theory. Lazy people can cut down on 80% of their workload by identifying and focusing only on those things that are truly important.

In 2007, Tim Ferriss published his book, The 4-Hour Workweek, in which he extolled the virtues of the Pareto Principle and of working as little as possible. The self-help book was a worldwide success, selling 1.35 m copies in 35 languages.

According to Ferriss, to be truly productive, we must check our email just once a day and outsource every small daily task to virtual assistants, focusing only on those tasks that generate the largest return.

5. Mint money.

Wanna make money while you're lazy? Simple business models like Mc Donalds can shed some light on this. Produce simple products which can be sold and marketed in various combinations according to your customers needs. Packaging it differently to give it another identity reduces the time and effort.

 35 years since nuclear disaster, Chernobyl warns, inspires

Reactor No. 4 at the power plant 110 kilometers (65 miles) north of the capital Kyiv exploded and caught fire deep in the night on April 26, 1986, shattering the building and spewing radioactive material high into the sky.

FILE - This April 26, 1986 file photo shows an aerial view of the Ukrainian Chernobyl nuclear plant, with damage from an explosion and fire in reactor four on that sent large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. The vast and empty Chernobyl Exclusion Zone around the site of the world's worst nuclear accident is a baleful monument to human mistakes. Yet 35 years after a power plant reactor exploded, Ukrainians also look to it for inspiration, solace and income.Photo/ Volodymyr Repik)

KYIV, Ukraine: The vast and empty Chernobyl Exclusion Zone around the site of the world's worst nuclear accident is a baleful monument to human mistakes. Yet 35 years after a power plant reactor exploded, Ukrainians also look to it for inspiration, solace and income.

Reactor No. 4 at the power plant 110 kilometers (65 miles) north of the capital Kyiv exploded and caught fire deep in the night on April 26, 1986, shattering the building and spewing radioactive material high into the sky.

Soviet authorities made the catastrophe even worse by failing to tell the public what had happened - although the nearby plant workers' town of Pripyat was evacuated the next day, the 2 million residents of Kyiv weren't informed despite the fallout danger. The world learned of the disaster only after heightened radiation was detected in Sweden.

Eventually, more than 100,000 people were evacuated from the vicinity and a 2,600-square-kilometer (1,000-square-mile) exclusion zone was established where the only activity was workers disposing of waste and tending to a hastily built sarcophagus covering the reactor.

Radiation continued to leak from the reactor building until 2019, when the entire building was covered by an enormous arch-shaped shelter. As robots inside the shelter began dismantling the reactor, officials felt new optimism about the zone.

"This is a place of tragedy and memory, but it is also a place where you can see how a person can overcome the consequences of a global catastrophe," said Bohdan Borukhovskyi, Ukraine's deputy environment minister.

"We want a new narrative to appear - it was not a zone of exclusion, but a zone of development and revival," he said. For him, that narrative includes encouraging tourism.

"Our tourism is unique, it is not a classic concept of tourism," he said. "This is an area of meditation and reflection, an area where you can see the impact of human error, but you can also see the human heroism that corrects it."

The Chernobyl zone saw its tourism increase twofold after the lauded television miniseries of 2019 and officials hope that level of interest will continue, or grow, once the global pandemic has receded.

One of the prime draws for tourists is to see the ruins of Pripyat, the once-modern town of 50,000 now being taken over by decay and vegetation. Work is underway to build paths to make it easier for visitors to navigate the ruins.

The Chernobyl plant is out of service, but there is still much work to be done at the decommissioned plant. Borukhovskyi said all four of its reactors are to be dismantled only by 2064.

Ukraine also has decided to use the deserted zone as the site for its centralized storage facility for the spent fuel from the country's four remaining nuclear power plants, and that is to open this year. Until recently, the fuel was disposed of in Russia.

Storing the spent fuel at home will save the country an estimated $200 million a year.

"We are doing everything possible so that this territory, where it is now impossible for people to live, is used with benefit and gives the country a profit," said Serhiy Kostyuk, head of the agency that manages the exclusion zone.

Although the radiation level in the zone is low enough that tourists can visit and workers can carry out their jobs, permanent residence is banned. However, more than 100 people still live in the zone that extends 30 kilometers (18 miles) around the nuclear power plant, despite orders to leave the site.

Among them is 85-year-old former teacher Yevgeny Markevich, who said: "It's a great happiness to live at home, but it's sad that it's not as it used to be.

Today, he grows potatoes and cucumbers on his garden plot, which he takes for tests "in order to partially protect myself."

Long-term effects on human health remain the subject of intense scientific debate. Immediately after the accident, 30 plant workers and firefighters died from acute radiation sickness. Later, thousands of people died from radiation-related illnesses such as cancer.

To the surprise of many who expected the area might be a dead zone for centuries, wildlife is thriving: Bears, bison, wolves, lynx, wild horses and dozens of bird species live in the people-free territory.

According to scientists, the animals were much more resistant to radiation than expected, and were able to quickly adapt to strong radiation. Ukrainian scientists are researching this phenomenon together with colleagues from Japan and Germany.

"This is a gigantic territory ... in which we keep a chronicle of nature," said biologist Denis Vishnevskiy, 43, who has been observing nature in the reserve for the past 20 years. "The exclusion zone is not a curse, but our resource "

The Ukrainian authorities are calling for the exclusion zone to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, since the object is a unique place "of interest to all mankind". The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has already taken steps to recognize the zone as a monument, which will attract more funding and tourists.

"Chernobyl should not become a wild playground for adventure hunters," said Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko. "People should leave the exclusion zone with the awareness of the historical memory of this place and its importance for all mankind."

In the spirit of preserving the memories, some enthusiasts have created the Chornobyl App, which includes declassified documents about the disaster and allows users to explore augmented-reality view of the zone and structures.

"Sixty percent of Ukrainians do not know the date of the accident and we decided that there should be a resource where a lot of verified information is collected," said Valeriy Korshunov, one of the free app's developers.

===============

Credit: iStock

The Chernobyl incident of 1986 is undoubtedly one of the worst nuclear disasters in the world, and the site is a reminder of that horrific time today. Now, years after the disaster, it is a hallowed tourist spot, and hence it is seeking the UNESCO World Heritage tag. Including the ruins of Chernobyl into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list would allow it to get funds for the preservation of its now deteriorating buildings.

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster took place near the city of Pripyat in Ukraine. It has since been evacuated, and is currently a ghost town. Its popularity grew exponentially since the release of the HBO drama series of the same name. Today, you can visit Chernobyl, notably the Exclusion Zone that covers a total of 30 km.

Credit: iStock

According to the Ukrainian government, the site is not safe to live for humans yet; in fact, it may take up to 24000 years for the effects of the radiation to wear off. However, you will find animals, such as deer roaming the forests of Chernobyl.

The abandoned homes are in a state of despair, and there is a sense of doom to the place that you can still feel to this day.

The Ukrainian government is aiming to transform the place into a tourist-friendly area, and for not just curious visitors, but also for scientists, ecologists, and historians. The place serves as a reminder that nuclear disasters can very well be the end of civilisation. The expected proposal for the UNESCO tag is to be made in March 2021.

 6 ways to improve your career potential

Synopsis

Career is the most important investment in one’s life. Experts show you how to nurture it and realise your potential.

Whether you have just got a job, or are well-settled in your career or are still wondering which path to choose, the following advice is relevant for you.

Set a career goal

Just like you plan for your financial goals, you need to plan your career goals meticulously. Ideally, the planning and goal setting should start when one is a student. However, awareness about career options continues to be low among students. “Nearly 72% of students were confused about career options we found in a survey.

“Nearly 72% of students were confused about career options in our survey. More importantly, 80% of the students knew only about six or eight career options,” Prateek Bhargava CEO and Founder, Mindler.com

More importantly, 80% of the students knew only about six or eight career options,” says Prateek Bhargava, CEO and Founder, Mindler.com, a technology-driven platform that helps students and parents choose appropriate career paths.

Most youngsters base their career decisions on what they hear being talked about around them. So while they might want to become a doctor, engineer, chartered accountant or lawyer, they have to understand whether they are equipped for it.

“The first thing in a career planning is to understand your strengths and weaknesses,” says Sairee Chahal, Founder, Sheroes, a firm providing career destinations for women. Students need to turn to career counsellors in their own institutes or seek the help of outside experts.

Continuous learning

Most people tend to think that everything is settled once they land a job. “Just because you have got a job it doesn’t mean that you have achieved your goal and all learning can come to an end. Please note that you need to keep on pushing the career goal,” says Neeti Sharma, Senior VP, Team Lease Services, a human resource outsourcing and staffing firm. “You need to invest in continued education and learning.

“Just because you have a job it doesn’t mean you have achieved your goal and all learning can come to an end. You need to keep on pushing the career goal,” Neeti Sharma Senior VP, Team Lease Services

Lot of things are available online now, use them to upgrade knowledge all the time,” says Shiv Agrawal, Managing Director, ABC Consultants, a leading human resources firm. This continuous learning is already visible in global professions like medicine, nursing, IT engineering, etc. IT professionals opting for a Cisco certification is a case in point. Along with their technical skills, such professionals also need to improve their communication skills.

The world is slowly turning digital and you need to spruce up your digital skills irrespective of the field you are working in. For example, sales and marketing professionals need to update online skills and know how to set up online marketing campaign. Similarly, banking professionals should learn about the latest technologies to promote mobile banking and digital payments.

Instead of getting tied down to the classrooms, teachers and professors can take up teaching on online platforms. HR professionals need to shift from traditional hiring to social networking platforms like Linkedin. “Automation is now a reality and it is going to remove normal repetitive jobs. So the only option you have is to get onto the digital bandwagon and move ahead of it,” says Santanu Paul, CEO and MD, Talent Sprint, an online learning platform. So how should one practice this continuous learning? “Once you identify the skill gap, do something about it every day. Most of this can be achieved by continuous reading,” says Chahal.

While everyone will agree that they need to upgrade skills, lack of time is a problem faced by most working professionals. Taking up online courses is the best way to circumvent this problem. Here again, you may get flooded with courses, so how do you know which is the best one for you? “Take the course that gives you actual experience and not just theoretical notes. You have to learn by doing and not just by reading,” says Paul. While doing any course, your focus should be on learning new skills rather than the certificate you will get at the end. “What an employer needs is the problem solving skills and not additional certificates,” adds Paul.

Think like an entrepreneur

Once you begin to climb the career ladder, you will realise that your existing skill sets are not sufficient. For instance, most people get into the IT sector as programmers and then get promoted as team leaders. The next level is management and it calls for going beyond coding skills.

“Test your ability by shifting to other verticals. This is possible once you stop treating your career as a job, and treat it as a learning opportunity.” Shanta Vallury Head HR, CSR and Internal Branding, RBL Bank

At that level, one needs to understand sales, the financial aspect of any project, customer service, etc. You also need to have in-depth understanding about industry and competition. Shifting from one vertical to another is the best way to understand a business in its totality. Since most companies now have internal job postings and offer lateral shifts, you can easily move across different functions.

“Businesses now promote anything that help in overall improvement of the organisation, so they welcome lateral moves,” says Mukesh Bhasin, Partner, Career Connect. Shanta Vallury, who moved from business function to HR at RBL Bank, is a classic example. “Once you put organisation before self, you start thinking like an entrepreneur.

Moving laterally helps you realise your own potential and also gives you a 360 degree view of the organisation,” says Vallury, Head HR, CSR and Internal Branding, RBL Bank. Vineet Agrawal, who moved from branch banking to HR and then to corporate banking at a large private sector back, agrees. “While organisations give you an opportunity to move laterally, there is no force. So you have to take the initiative,” he says. However, before opting for a lateral shift, understand what it takes.

You may need to relocate. The ability to take risks and the spirit to learn new things are the other essentials. “If you are ready to put in effort, you can learn anything new. But please note that if you don’t learn fast, the next team may not accept you,” says Vineet Agrawal. Experts suggest you start doing this in the initial stages of your career. “Test your ability by shifting to other verticals in the early stages of your career. This is possible once you stop treating career as a job, but treat it as a learning opportunity,” says Vallury. Lateral shifts also help you to remain with an organisation for an extended period of time.

Networking

Networking was always a basic necessity for career growth. “Around 50% of the hiring happens through networks. Career prospects depends on marketability and reaching out to people,” says Bhasin. These contacts can be through alumni groups, former colleagues, etc. Social media platforms like Linkedin and Facebook have made such groups more close-knit.

“Around 50% of hiring happens through networks. Career prospects depends on marketability and reaching out to people.” Mukesh Bhasin Partner, Career Connect

You can use these networks to widen your contacts. “Linkedin is a good start to meet people outside your horizon and also to understand industry trends,” says Chahal. However, be careful about what you post on these networks.

“Most prospective employers look at your social media presence. So posting very strong religious or political views may harm your future career prospects,” warns Shiv Agrawal.

Ask for help or seek a mentor

We seek help when we need it in most situations and there is nothing wrong in taking outside help for career planning. “The ability to ask for help is a requisite quality for career enhancement,” says Chahal. As explained earlier, prospective job seekers can take the help of counsellors at their own institute or other professionals who provide this for a fixed fee.

“Treat your career like a bicycle, it will not move forward if you don’t make the effort and pedal.” Santanu Paul CEO and MD, Talent Sprint

Once you are in an organisation, your immediate superiors (and also the HR department) act as your mentors. “You should be able to ask what is the skill gap and how you should fill it,” says Sharma.

However, you also may have to seek outside help at this level, because the immediate superiors may not be the best for guidance as they have a vested interest in retaining you. “Earlier employers used to provide full career path, but now you have to do it yourself.

Treat your career like a bicycle, it will not move forward if you don’t make the effort and pedal,” says Paul.

Don’t ignore grooming

Prospective candidates have to concentrate on aspects which may not appear connected to the job in question but play an important role nevertheless. Maintaining physical fitness is one such aspect.

“Most employers think if you can’t take care of yourself, how will you take care of the company?” Shiv Agrawal MD, ABC Consultants

Appearances— dressing properly or presenting an attractive CV— are other factors one needs to take care of. Why should prospective employers bother about such things? “Perception is reality and please note that most employers hire based on their perception about you.

Even after being good, the perception about you should also be good,” says Shiv Agrawal. Assume there are two candidates with identical backgrounds. While one is physically fit, the appears obese. Chances are the employer will hire the seemingly fit candidate.

“Most employers think like this. If you can’t take care of yourself, how will you take care of the company?” asks Shiv Agrawal.

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Definition of 'Personal Selling'

Definition: Personal selling is also known as face-to-face selling in which one person who is the salesman tries to convince the customer in buying a product. It is a promotional method by which the salesperson uses his or her skills and abilities in an attempt to make a sale.

Description: Personal selling is a face-to-face selling technique by which a salesperson uses his or her interpersonal skills to persuade a customer in buying a particular product. The salesperson tries to highlight various features of the product to convince the customer that it will only add value. However, getting a customer to buy a product is not the motive behind personal selling every time. Often companies try to follow this approach with customers to make them aware of a new product.

The company wants to spread awareness about the product for which it adopts a person-to-person approach. This is because selling involves personal touch, a salesperson knows better how to pitch a product to the potential customer. Personal selling can take place through two different channels – through retail and through direct-to-consumer channel. Under the retail channel, a sales person interacts with potential customers who come on their own to enquire about a product. The job of the salesperson is to make sure that he understands the need of the customers and accordingly shows various products that he keeps under that category. Under the direct channel, a salesperson visits potential customers in an attempt to make them aware about a new product that the company is launching or it may have a new offer which the customers may not get from the open market.

Definition: PEST Analysis is a measurement tool which is used to assess markets for a particular product or a business at a given time frame. PEST stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological factors. Once these factors are analysed organisations can take better business decisions. Description: PEST Analysis helps organizations take better business decisions and improve efficiency by studying various factors which might influence a business such as political, economic, social, and technology. PEST analysis helps in making strategic business decisions, planning marketing activities, product development and research. It is similar to SWOT analysis, which stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats. Let's study each individual factor of PEST analysis in detail. In PEST analysis, 'P' stands for Political environment. It includes government regulations or any defined rules for that particular industry or business. It also involves study of tax policy which includes exemptions if any, employment laws, environment laws, etc. The letter 'E' in PEST analysis stands for economic factors. It gauges the economic environment by studying factors in the macro economy such as interest rates, economic growth, exchange rate as well as inflation rate. These factors also help in accessing the demand, costing of the product, expansion, and growth. 'S' stands for social factors that form the macro environment of the organisation. It includes the study of demographics, as well as the target customers. These factors help in gauging the potential size of the market. It includes study of population growth, age distribution, career attitude, etc. The letter 'T' in PEST analysis stands for technology. As we all know, technology changes very rapidly, and consumers are hungry to adopt new technology. It involves understanding factors which are related to technological advancements, rate at which technology gets obsolete (Example: the operating system in mobile phones), automation, and innovation.

5 Forces Analysis Of The Environment

The five forces model of analysis was developed by Michael Porter to analyze the competitive environment in which a product or company works. Description: There are five forces that act on any product/ brand/ company: 1. The threat of entry: competitors can enter from any industry, channel, function, form or marketing activity. How best can the company take care of the threat of new entrants? 2

Endorsements

Endorsements are a form of advertising that uses famous personalities or celebrities who command a high degree of recognition, trust, respect or awareness amongst the people. Such people advertise for a product lending their names or images to promote a product or service. Advertisers and clients hope such approval, or endorsement by a celebrity, will influence buyers favourably. For example, Sach

Reference Price

Reference price is also known as competitive pricing, because here the product is sold just below the price of a competitor’s product. Reference price is the cost at which a manufacturer or a store owner sells a particular product, giving a hefty discount compared to its previously advertised price. Description: Reference pricing, in simple terms, is known as that price which users compare with

Loss Leaders

Loss leaders are high volume, high profile brands or products that are sold by retailers with the intention to attract customers into their premises, with the hope that those customers will end up buying other goods as well, once inside. Examples could be steeply discounted electronics, or consumer goods, or garments. A zero percent loan for cars is a loss leader example for the dealer. Descri